Police Officer (Lateral)

ABOUT THE ROLE The Pasadena Police Department is seeking dedicated and ambitious individuals committed to protecting and serving a vibrant, beautiful, and diverse community. The department is founded on a culture of community service, proactive problem-solving, fairness, and personal engagement. Officers work in partnership with residents and the business community to enhance safety. The role offers a range of assignments and opportunities, including involvement in major events such as the Rose Bowl, Old Town activities, and movie and TV filming. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Enforce the law and deal with a variety of challenging situations with strong moral and physical courage - Evaluate sensitive and dangerous situations quickly and take effective, reasonable action - Read and understand departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws, regulations, and police literature - Interact and communicate tactfully and effectively with a culturally diverse population - Write clear and accurate reports - Demonstrate respectful community policing through considerate behavior for people and neighborhoods - Adapt to frequent change and remain highly flexible - Perform shift and overtime work as required MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Current non-probationary California peace officer in possession of a California Basic POST certificate - High school graduate, GED, or other high school equivalency certificate, OR attainment of a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution - Possess the physical and ethical capacity and values needed to perform the duties of a Police Officer - Strong interest in serving the community of Pasadena SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Possession of a Class C California Driver's License at the time of appointment and as a condition of continued employment - Vision requirements: At least 20/100 correctable to 20/30 and free from color blindness. For candidates who have successfully worn soft contact lenses for at least one year, vision must be 20/200 uncorrected, correctable to 20/30, and free from color blindness - No conviction of any felony offense, certain misdemeanor offenses, any offense reflecting lack of character, judgment, or morals, or any other than honorable military discharge - Must be found free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer SELECTION PROCESS 1. Training and experience evaluation 2. Physical Agility Test (Qualifying): 30 push-ups within 2 minutes, 30 sit-ups within 2 minutes, 1.5-mile run within 14 minutes, and lift/drag a 165-pound dummy 32 feet within 10 seconds 3. Oral Interview Examination (Weighted 100%): 5 to 10 questions covering city demographics, interest in the department, and a scenario question 4. Eligible List Ranking: Candidates remain on the list for one year; top candidates are referred first based on vacancies 5. Background Investigation: Comprehensive review of background, education, employment history, credit, criminal record, and DMV review 6. Police Chief's Background File Review and Oral Interview (Qualifying) 7. Polygraph Examination (Qualifying) 8. Psychological Evaluation (Qualifying) 9. Medical Examination (Prior to appointment) Note: Veterans receive a 3-point preference added to the final qualifying score if they provide documentary evidence of at least one year of active military duty and honorable discharge. HOW TO APPLY - Submit an application and upload your California Basic POST certificate as an attachment - If claiming veterans preference, submit documentary evidence of honorable discharge with the application - Note: A specific application portal link is not provided in the text; candidates should refer to the City of Pasadena official careers page or contact the department for the direct application link. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Type: Full-Time - Department: Police - Location: City of Pasadena, CA - Opening Date: 01/08/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous - Probation: Candidates selected are subject to a one-year probationary work period - Employer: City of Pasadena